Yesterday, Governor Whitmer outlined her priorities and vision for the future of Michigan during her fifth State of the State Address.
The Governor’s address focused on lowering costs and proposals such as: expanding the Michigan Reconnect program to 21-year-olds, establishing universal preschool for 4-year-olds, exempting a tax on certain pensions and 401(k)s, and a “Make it in Michigan” proposal with a dedicated funding source for economic development efforts.
The Governor also highlighted two key Chamber priorities:
- Increasing the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) expansion (now rebranded as the Working Families Tax Credit) to 30% of the federal rate
- To learn more about the EITC and to read our Grand Rapids Chamber coalition letter, HERE.
- Expanding the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act (ELCRA), a long-standing Grand Rapids Chamber priority, to include protections for sexual orientation and gender identity.
- The Grand Rapids Chamber, in partnership with a number of Michigan’s leading business organizations and companies, sent this memo to the Governor and Michigan legislature in support of the expansion.
- A growing number of companies have signed on to this effort and the list can be found here. There is still an opportunity for your company to sign on. Please email Andy Johnston at andy@grandrapids.org if you would like your company listed.
“West Michigan is leading the state in job and population growth. We hope the Governor and all members of the legislature follow through on the pragmatic and focused message she highlighted last night,” said Josh Lunger, Vice President of Government Affairs for the Grand Rapids Chamber.
“Dramatic policy changes will not foster an environment for success. The more we can avoid divisive partisan battles and we focus on common ground issues, the more we can achieve for all Michiganders.”
Chamber Advocacy: Our team is at the table on the key issues for West Michigan business.
- Want to learn more about Chamber priorities and or advocacy efforts?
- On the first Friday of every month, our Government Affairs team hosts a 30-minute virtual meeting to briefly highlight key issues and top priorities from 10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Sign up here for these “First Friday” monthly updates.